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My Summer Foundation Tips for Glowing Skin!
Long-lost blog readers and friends, I apologize for the lack of posts the last 12 weeks. Let me begin by mentioning this addendum: my life is in a season of changes, not the least of which includes a move, city-to-city travel, and new gigs and clients. To say the least, I hardly have the time I’d like to devote to blogging and web content these days; however, I promise to commit to doing it more often!
A few of the questions I often hear from clients or when working on a commercial makeup shoot is, “What products do you use?” “How do you get your skin to glow and look so refreshed-looking?” “What foundation do you recommend for summer?”
A great picture of summer skin – and I’ll tell you how to get this look. from allure
To summarize, I’m going to give you my tips for having dewy, sun-kissed, luminescent skin for summer – an insider’s scoop, if you will, on the best makeup products to use during these warm, summer days.
My personal go-to’s and favies, at your request!
First and foremost, your makeup approach during the summer should be “less is more.” At the very least, I’ll show you how to wear makeup in such a way that people won’t even think you’re wearing it. They’ll just think your skin looks refreshed, awake, and glowing.
#1. MOISTURIZE (ideally use a moisturizer with an SPF of 30 or more)
Skinceuticals and Obagi all make great SPF/daily moisturizers, but the most important factor is SPF. Regardless of brand/price and whether you get it OTC/dermatologist’s office, make sure it has an SPF of at least 30 (if it doesn’t, layer an SPF underneath your moisturizer). I love tinted moisturizers for summer because they kill two birds with one stone! Your skin drinks in moisture, is protected, and simultaneously gets a sheer wash of color and coverage.
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 20 (ten different shades to choose from), $42
Hands down, the best tinted moisturizer on the market – and an Allure Beauty pick. I use this on myself and on brides who just want a hint of sheer coverage (another great option to try is Nars Tinted Moisturizer w/ SPF 30). If you really want a low-maintenance summer routine, try Nars, because it’s three steps in 1. Protection – check. Sheer coverage and a hint of color – check. Moisture – check! This is how we do it, ladies.
#2. USE A LUMINIZER.
What’s that, you say? A luminizer gives your skin that effortless dewy “glow” we all crave for summer. No glitter here – just flawless, smooth, glowing skin with a hint of dewy shimmer. Put it on after you moisturizer and before you put on foundation. OR – try mixing it with your liquid foundation. To apply, use fingertips or a foundation brush to put it on your cheekbones, cheeks, brow bone, and on top of your eyebrows (framing your face, if you will). I also put a little down the bridge of my nose and on top of my cupid’s bow to make lips look fuller.
Try Jemma Kidd’s “Mannequin Skin” complexion enhancer (my friend Danielle introduced me to this product, and now I use it on brides all the time!) $25 at Target.
#3. And last, but not least, USE A SHEER, LIGHTWEIGHT FOUNDATION (or you can omit this step, and just use a tinted moisturizer & a luminizer).
I am seriously obsessed with Giorgio Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation ($59) right now – a daily must-have summer foundation for me. I got turned onto this product after working with Marisa Runyon (Rachel Zoe’s right hand lady & brand director for Rachel Zoe, Inc.) for a few days on a shoot a couple of weeks ago. Her skin was fabulously flawless, but not cakey: the perfect amount of coverage without looking done-up, and I had to know her secret. It’s quite an investment for foundation – I know – but the reward and outcome is worth every penny. A little bit goes a long way with this sheer foundation, so you’ll be amazed at how little product you need for excellent, yet lightweight, coverage. I use #5, but my skin is fair-to-light.
Other honorable mentions (a.k.a. secret weapons)
Bobbi Brown Shimmer Bricks (dust on top of blush along cheekbones, inner corners of eyes, and on brow bone as a highlight – insane, natural-looking shimmer without being cakey or glittery).
Bronzer – my personal favorite is Nars Bronzer in “Laguna.” Nice saturated hint of color without being orange – zing! Insider tip: brush bronzer on the places where you would naturally get sun on your face (forehead, nose, apples of cheeks). Make sure to blend, blend, blend so that there isn’t a demarcation of dark and light where your face meets your neck.
Stay chic,
Annie
P.S. Hint, if you want compliments on your skin this summer, use a luminizer.
Guest Blogger on The Graduate Wife
An old childhood friend asked me to guest post on her blog, The Graduate Wife. Head on over to see my tips for simplifying and consolidating your closet! A typical closet clean-out and wardrobe edit comes with a fee, but I shared some of my secrets today in this post.
Stay chic!
Annie
What I’ve Been Up To
I promise I haven’t forgotten about you, my ever-faithful and chic readers! I’m been busy traveling all over (Nashville, St. Louis, Birmingham, Illinois) doing spring & summer shopping trips and styling. I’ve also been working on a few different commercial and editorial shoots that have occupied my time during the week, so my blogging time has been a bit limited. Apologies to all of you for the lack of blog posts, but here’s a bit of a peak into what I’ve been up to lately.
Anyone subscribe to Southern Living?
Well, if so, check out page 55 in the current May 2012 issue – a feature called “Meet the New Tastemakers.” I did hair & makeup for St. Louis designer, Amie Corley. A favorite all-time magazine and staple in my home growing up, I was thrilled to be part of this shoot.
You can also see my hair & makeup work in the new Purina “Tidy Cats” commercial called, “PU Patrol.” Funny subject matter, but I loved working with Sam and Megan – both such great-looking, charismatic models. Such a fun shoot! Watch the commercial here: PU Patrol from Tidy Cats
Stay tuned – more to come!
Stay chic,
Annie
Hint of Mint
Sherbert and ice cream colors were painted across the fabric palettes of spring 2012 runway collections: pale tangerine and corals, baby blues, aquas, and shades of mint green. These soft and feminine hues pop against the deepest olive skin tones, yet gently flatter the fairest and most delicate skin colors.
Mint (ice cream) green is so delicious. Don’t you agree?
from left, images 1 & 3 – Vera Wang, images 2 & 4, Jenny Packham (image via here)
Pretty, graceful, and elegant, this organic shade is a must in my book for spring.
Tara Jarmon Polka Dot Silk Dress, $630
Topshop pleated skirt, $76 – can’t get enough pleats. The straight, vertical lines are so lengthening and flattering, plus, a pleated skirt drapes in such a way that it flatters a woman’s waist.
Topshop Drape Front Top, $72
D&G Layered Tulle Mini Skirt, $630
Irene Neuwirth mint earrings, $10,680 (ooh, a girl can dream)
Tibi pleated silk chiffon dress, $550
Chloe patent leather clutch, $1,395
Stay chic,
Annie
Peplum Party
Spring 2012 runway collections were scattered with the peplum (pronounced PEP-lum) silhouette, from Chanel to Jason Wu to Vera Wang and Givenchy. This feminine detail was often seen worn by the late Jackie Onassis Kennedy during the Kennedy Golden Era, and boasts a ladylike and waist-accentuating effect.
images via vogue
image credits: Rodarte; Vera Wang; Jason Wu
Peplum-palooza:
A) Mulberry metallic peplum top, $600 B) Alice + Olivia Peplum skirt, $198 C) Alice + Olivia peplum dress, $264 D) Alice + Olivia Mary peplum strapless dress, $330 E) Kalmanovich peplum dress, $1,030 F) Tibi Peplum jacket, $495 G) Giambattista Valli leopard peplum top, $1,430
The key to wearing this ruffled detail is to keep your body proportions in mind, as well as the size and placement of the peplum. If you have narrow hips (straight/ruler/boy-shaped) you can wear a fuller, flared or more dramatic peplum. If you have a small or defined waist, you can wear a peplum skirt with a slim fitting bottom. If you’re fuller throughout the hips or backside (as many of us are), remember that ruffles draw attention; however, the peplum can be very flattering on a hourglass shape. Just remember to stick with a sleek and fitted silhouette, all you curvy ladies.
Two of my fashion favies, Olivia P, and Emma Stone, rocking the peplum:
Palermo wears a peplum top that hits at her natural waistline. The peplum is more subdued, and she wears it with a slender bottom (black pixi pants). In this color-blocked dress, Emma Stone wears a more dramatic peplum on her hips. images via google
What do you think of the peplum? A yay or nay for you? Will you be sporting it this spring? Remember, not every trend is for everybody, nor is it for every BODY.
Stay chic!
Annie
You know the ‘drille
Spring is finally here – or is it? Here’s to hoping the groundhog got it right this year. I wouldn’t want to break out my sandals and peep-toes prematurely only to have my enthusiasm drenched with another round of winter chills! Are you with me?
I’m inundated with spring shoes collections right now, and the espadrille is more vocal than ever this season. Classic black, white and nude remain wardrobe staples, while variations using bold, bright colors (orange is hot) and prints (ikat, stripes, etc.) are a welcome departure from the espadrilles of yesteryear.
As always, here are some of my favies:
Rebecca Minkoff Suri, $295 (for legs a mile long)
Seychelles “Memories of You“, $90
Jimmy Choo Perry Platform Espadrille, $550 (to die for with white, tailored shorts)
Ivanka Trump Halyn, $150
Sam Edelman Leroy, $150
Calvin Klein Harlo, $99
Stuart Weitzman Alex, $365
Mark & James by Bagdley Mischka, Reza II, $245 (with any sundress)
Are your mouths salivating? Looking at these make me hungry for resort-wear, maxi dresses and the Caribbean.
Stay chic,
Annie
Note – apologies for slacking on the blog-posts and Wedding Wednesdays! I haven’t forgotten you, but I’ve been busy! Just wrapped up a shoot for Southern Living magazine, among a few other shoots, which I can’t wait to share with you all.
March Style Promotion
Want to win a free hour Wardrobe Consult and Style Assessment? To all you fashionistas and jewelry lovers alike, I’m running an exciting special and promotion for the month of March!
Here are the terms:
- Book a Style & Stella party with me for the month of March, and your name will be entered into a raffle to win a one-hour Wardrobe Consult and Edit with A Chic Critique. (Details: I’ll go through your closet, give you wardrobe and style tips for how to dress for your body type, make accessorizing suggestions, and help you put outfits together. This one-hour consult is valued at $75).
- Jewelry Trunk Show & Style Party must be booked and held during the month of March for your name to be entered into the giveaway.
- Still need an additional incentive to book? The average Stella & Dot hostess receives $250 in free jewelry and 4 half-off items! Need I say more? The editors of Vogue, Real Simple, and Marie Claire all have their eye on Stella & Dot right now.
Contact annie@achiccritique.com for more information, and to get your style party on the books!
Stay chic,
Annie
Wedding Wednesday #3: Let Them Eat Cake
As Franc Eggelhoffer (from Father of the Bride) always said: "This is what I sugjoost. I sugjoost that we select a keck furst." - Okay. "You know, cuz de keck...vary often determun vhat kind of wedding that you end up having."
Regardless of whether you actually pick out your cake first or not (I would suggest securing your venues, photographer, and band first), it’s true that it does reflect the overall tone and flavor, so to speak, of your wedding reception. Years ago I worked for a wedding & event planner in Nashville, and during our initial meetings with brides, we would ask them to describe the wedding of their dreams in just three adjectives. How would you like your wedding to look and feel? What’s the vibe and aesthetic you’d like? We’d hear responses ranging from “down-home, Southern, and quaint” to “glamorous, opulent, and elegant.” Your cake should reflect these adjectives.
Then there’s the question of fondant vs. butter-cream and the overall flavor(s) of your cake. To tackle this question, I would most definitely schedule a tasting with two to three different reputable wedding cake bakers.
Here are some lovelies to whet your appetite:
Simple and understated.
Prefer the less traditional approach? Why not offer various cakes and flavors to your guests? With a panoply of choices, every guest is sure to be satisfied.
This is a very classic and traditional cake in my book. The ribbons, color, and flowers could all be customized to your color palette, and the pattern could even reflect some detail from your dress.
Sweet, feminine, and floral.
Hope you had a happy & love-filled Valentine’s day!
Stay chic,
Annie
Wedding Wednesday #2: Mix & Match Bridesmaids
As a wardrobe consultant, it’s my job to steer my clients towards silhouettes and cuts that are figure-flattering. As we all know, there’s no “one dress” style that works for every figure (I’ve yet to see one) – so I would be remiss if I ever forced a singular dress style onto a variety of body shapes and sizes.
A must-see in ACC’s book. Go. rent it. now.
The daunting task comes when choosing a bridesmaids dress that every bridesmaid will love. A shade that flatters one woman’s skin tone may be disastrous against another skin tone: likewise, one skirt style might slenderize one woman’s frame, while overwhelming another.
My solution?
1) Pick a color palette and length (short, long, etc.). Let your maids shop for and pick out their own dress, staying within the defined color scheme. This way, they can dictate the price, cut, silhouette and fabric. The pro? Each dress will reflect each individual bridesmaid’s style personality and preferences, but the group color scheme and length will be harmonious.
flowers & decor – Brocade/Hillary Robson – image via Skip Hopkins – styling & wedding design via A Chic Critique
image via google
image via Stephen Devries
2) Pick one designer – then pick one fabric, color and length. Let each girl choose the actual style & silhouette that she prefers. The result is a unified effect with varying styles.
image via pinterest
image via google – Jose Villa
If you’re the sort of bride who likes uniformity and wants to capture a sense of oneness amongst your maids, this idea might prove a little counter-intuitive or unappealing. Different strokes for different folks – the important thing is to do what makes YOU happy! Having all the maids wear the same matching dress is always a classic and beautiful choice.
Stay chic,
Annie
Meet Stella & Dot
I’m excited to announce that A Chic Critique has recently partnered with Stella & Dot!
Stella & Dot is a fabulous line of luxury, boutique-inspired modern jewelry and accessories – you may have seen their pieces featured in Vogue, In Style, ELLE, People, Lucky, US Weekly and Redbook magazines as well as The Wall Street Journal and the New York Times. Their pieces have been worn on the wrists and necklines of some of today’s noted celebrities like Giuliana Ransic, Heidi Klum, Kelly Ripa, Penelope Cruz, and Barbara Walters, and featured on TV shows such as The Today Show, Oprah, The View and the Bachelorette. Their irresistible custom designs are runway-inspired, sophisticated, artisan crafted and handmade, as well as lead and nickel safe. Exclusively designed in NYC, these pieces can be ordered directly from A Chic Critique’s own Stella & Dot website at http://www.stelladot.com/sites/achiccritique.
via S&D
the Leona – a favorite of mine for clients! As seen in Lucky Magazine. $98
I’ve been fawning over Stella & Dot’s jewelry for years; additionally, I have been putting my clients in their on-trend statement necklaces, cuffs, earrings and cocktail rings at every opportunity I get. At reasonable price points, they have collections geared towards every style personality, whatever it may be: classic, bohemian, preppy, simple, feminine, edgy, and/or glamorous. For more fabulous pieces, visit my website, or you can check out their Spring 2012 Collection & Look Book here!
Some favorites of mine from the Spring 2012 collection:
The Sierra Necklace, $148
A bib of shimmering 12k gold finished brass discs drape gracefully from a brass arc. Backed with a 12k gold finished disc chain.
Serenity Stone Drops, $49
Hand cut polished semi-precious dyed jade drops are handset in a shiny 12k gold plated hammered brass bezel. Lead & Nickel Safe. 2 inches. Gold plated brass fish hook ear wire.
In honor of this announcement, I’m running a special for the next two weeks: when you make any purchases (of $50 or more), your name will be entered into a drawing – the winner will receive one free piece of Stella & Dot jewelry! All you have to do is start shopping! At check out, enter hostess name: “Launch Party” (you’ll see a drop-down menu under ‘hostess name’).
I’m always telling clients to invest in wardrobe basics and foundational garments – but add polish and style to any ensemble with statement jewelry, such a bold cuff or killer pair of chandelier earrings. What better way to showcase your sense of fashion and personality?
Stay chic,